asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the recent number of attacks on persons on the East Pier in Dún Laoghaire; the measures he proposes to take to prevent any further attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assaults at East Pier Dún Laoghaire.
692.
Limerick East): I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda have received three reports of alleged assaults in the East Pier area over the past ten months. Persons have been charged in relation to two of these incidents.
The Garda authorities report that these incidents occured at an area of the East Pier adjacent to property owned by Dún Laoghaire Corporation which contains two disused shelters. These shelters are a focal point for meetings by certain individuals. The local gardaí have taken certain initiatives in relation to these attacks — one of which relates to the possibility of having public lighting in the area improved — which it is hoped will improve the situation. While the precise arrangements for policing particular areas is a matter for the Garda authorities, I am informed that 14 extra Gardai have been allocated to the Dún Laoghaire sub-district since 1 January 1983.